A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 303

However, what Declan handed over truly shattered Yvan's understanding of the world.

The incident from five years ago, every single clue, was meticulously documented in the files presented. Everything that should be there was there, including details never made public. As Yvan skimmed through, he found discrepancies with what he had uncovered half a decade ago.

The first point of confusion: At the time, the escalator in the mall was under maintenance, and it was common knowledge not to use it during this period. Why then were Matilda and Rachel found near the escalator entrance?

The second mystery: Who removed the 'Cleaning in Progress' sign? Why wasn't it in place at the time?

The third anomaly: After the accident, the police conducted an investigation and ruled out escalator malfunction as the cause of injury, as the escalator wasn't even operational. The mall's biggest fault lay in not displaying the cleaning sign promptly. A stationary escalator couldn't possibly harm anyone. Thus, it was clear that Rachel had been pushed.

The fourth puzzle: Surveillance footage captured the moment Matilda reached out towards Rachel, making it a key piece of evidence that led to Matilda's imprisonment. She acted in broad daylight, leading to Rachel's death. What hidden truths lay behind this scene?

Reading the report, Yvan felt overwhelmed.

Adrian was born into a family of high-ranking officials, and Declan's family had significant influence in the central government. Yvan could have sought Adrian's help, but instinctively, he refused to bow down to him.

Seeking his help would feel like admitting defeat.

"Have you figured anything out?"

Declan, chin in hand, said, "You come here every day seeking the truth, Yvan. Why didn't you do this five years ago?"

Yvan put down the documents, stood up, and sighed, "It's not too late yet."

"No, it already is."

Declan looked at Yvan with a profound gaze, "The moment you chose to listen to others when the tragedy occurred, you were already too late in Matilda's life. So now, even if the truth is different from what you believed five years ago, even if you have indeed uncovered it, it's too late."

Yvan felt a sting in his heart and irritably clicked his tongue, "Don't talk to me about that." Such words only made him feel weaker.

Declan silently laughed, "Admit it, you've fallen for Matilda."

"No," Yvan quickly retorted, as if trying to prove something, "I'm just... for now, I'm somewhat interested in her."

"Your attempts at deceiving yourself are amusing," Declan said, unfazed by Yvan's presence, his words laced with sarcasm. Looking at the man before him, Declan suddenly felt that, in any case, Yvan was luckier than himself.

At least the woman he wanted to win back was still alive. At least he could now make those small attempts at restitution.

But what about Declan? What did he have left?